Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

8-Day Northern Bush & Beach Tour

Customisable Itinerary
5.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

A week in the north of Malawi is one that you will always remember. This trip offers a luxurious and idyllic holiday experience that takes you from the wilderness of Nyika National Park to a little-known paradise on Lake Malawi in a little pocket of Malawi in Mozambique.

Starting from the capital, Lilongwe, you'll explore the city before you journey out to Nyika National Park, a safari experience not to be missed with game viewing opportunities possible from the doorstep of your lodge. Learn about this unique higher climate on safari days and spend your time taking in the beauty of your location from the dam.

Kick back on Lake Malawi's best beaches on Likoma island where you'll stay on a lodge overlooking the sand as you explore by snorkelling, mountain biking and perhaps even sleeping under the stars while enjoying this small slice of one of Africa's Great Lakes.
Outdoors & Nature
Culture & Arts
Diving
Cycling
Adventure

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Malawi!

Closeaccordion
Welcome to Malawi!

Today you start your journey to northern Malawi. You will be transferred to Heuglin’s Lodge in the heart of Lilongwe. This afternoon you may want to visit the Lilongwe wildlife centre, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre that provides a tour of the rescued animals. Alternatively, you can visit Kumbali Cultural Village.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heuglin's Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in LilongweOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Lilongwe International Airport to Heuglin's Lodge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lilongwe

Day 2

Drive to Nyika National Park

Closeaccordion
Drive to Nyika National Park

After breakfast, head out on a scenic seven-hour journey to Nyika National Park and Chelinda Lodge where you will be staying. This Lodge is set against a pocket of hagenia woodland overlooking vast tracts of Nyika National Park’s rolling grasslands dotted with large herds of wildlife, fronted by a dam. This is the perfect base for your safari experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chelinda Camp and Lodge3 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Heuglin's Lodge to Chelinda Lodge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lilongwe

    Northern Region

Day 3

Nyika National Park Safari Activities

Closeaccordion
Nyika National Park Safari Activities

Nyika National Park is one of Malawi’s oldest and most iconic areas of wilderness. There are many species of game that can be spotted on the Nyika Plateau including Burchell’s zebra, roan antelope, mountain reedbuck, eland, leopard, spotted hyena, and the side-striped jackal. Your guide will take you to some of the best game viewing spots in the park. Birdlife is prolific wherever you go - there are over 400 species of birds here.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chelinda Camp and Lodge3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nyika National Park Safari Walk

    Nyika National Park

    Nyika National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Northern Region

Day 4

Nyika National Park Mountain Biking and Game Drive

Closeaccordion
Nyika National Park Mountain Biking and Game Drive

The mountain biking trails in Nyika National Park are an exhilarating way to explore the montane grasslands, see some wildlife and take in some of the parks stunning scenery. Seasonal fly fishing on a catch and release basis is allowed in the freshwater dams near the lodge. Permits and rods can be purchased at the lodge. As the sun sets, many of Nyika's nocturnal species can be spotted out on a game drive in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chelinda Camp and Lodge3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mountain Biking in Nyika National ParkRequest to Book

    Fly Fishing at Chelinda LodgeOptional Activity

    Nyika National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Northern Region

Day 5

Travel to Likoma Island and Explore

Closeaccordion
Travel to Likoma Island and Explore

Take a short plane ride to Likoma Island and a boat to Nkwichi Lodge. This little slice of paradise is hidden on the pristine Mozambican shores of Lake Malawi. Activities available include snorkelling, canoeing, sunset cruises, hiking, and village visits. Surrounded by baobabs and mango trees is Likoma’s star attraction, St Peter's Cathedral. It is the second-largest cathedral in Africa with stained glass and carved soapstone.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Nkwichi Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Likoma Island

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Nyika National Park to Likoma Island

    Boat from Likoma Island to Nkwichi Lodge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Northern Region

    Niassa Province

    Likoma

Day 6

Nkwichi Lodge Activities

Closeaccordion
Nkwichi Lodge Activities

Today is free for you to make the most of this beautiful location. Nkwichi Lodge sits right on one of Likoma Island's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy canoeing along the magical Rift Valley shoreline, as well as exploring the island and visiting the various villages either on foot or by mountain bike. Return to the lodge in time to catch the sunset and relax in this quiet corner of Lake Malawi.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Nkwichi Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Canoeing in Likoma Island

    Walks Around and Visit Villages on Likoma IslandOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Niassa Province

Day 7

Snorkelling & Sleep Under the Stars

Closeaccordion
Snorkelling &  Sleep Under the Stars

Take it easy on your second day on Likoma Island. You may wish to enjoy a snorkelling trip around the island where you'll explore a world of brilliantly coloured tropical fish, many of which are endemic to Lake Malawi. Spend a night out on the Star Beds on the beach if you wish. This magical experience gives you optimum comfort and the protection of mosquito net tents to watch the galaxy open up for you!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Nkwichi Lodge

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Snorkeling in Lake Malawi

    A Night under the StarsOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Niassa Province

Day 8

Departure from Lilongwe

Closeaccordion
Departure from Lilongwe

Start with breakfast on the beach. Then transfer by boat and take a short flight to Lilongwe International Airport in time for your departure.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    A Night under the StarsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Nkwichi Lodge to Likoma Island

    Plane from Likoma Island to Lilongwe

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Niassa Province

Share With Your Partners

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

What’s included?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 6 activities
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
As seen on
Partners